What’s your response to the adage “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”? Back in the day, a strict, serious, and demanding teacher liked to add, “Yes, but all work, and no play made Jack!” With this statement from the Bible: “Joyful are those You discipline, Lord, those You teach with Your instruction” (Ps. 94:12) it makes just as much truthful sense to say, “Joyful are those You instruct…those You teach with Your discipline.” Although we may take the word discipline to mainly mean correction, the heavier meaning can be found in the statement, “learning the hard way.”
“My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when He corrects you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” (Prov 3:11–12, NLT)
Our Creator is a God of discipline, and He wants us to learn it, too. Admirable character will manifest itself best when it’s harnessed, controlled, and disciplined. King David said it best:
“My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.” (Ps 119:71–72)
Learning self-discipline is a life-long process of cultivating habits, mind-set and strategies to manage time and energy effectively. Defining specific objectives helps create a sense of direction and purpose and to stay focused on our commitments. Another essential aspect is self-control (a major part of self-discipline) which can be improved by practicing delayed gratification, which in turn strengthens willpower and resilience. Thus, over time, with perseverance and a proactive mindset, self-discipline becomes a natural and ingrained part of our life.
-John Driggers, Spiritual Advisor for Myers-Davis (2/10/2025, V7#6)
